Floridiana Magazine

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Havana: Florida’s Friendliest Small Town

From its heyday as a major shade tobacco producer to its popularity for antiques and vintage collectable shops, Havana is one of those small Florida towns that exudes southern charm. A walk through the museum, the shops, or a stop in one of the local restaurants provide visitors with personal experiences of why Havana is considered Florida’s Friendliest Small Town.

History of Havana

Like many small Florida towns, railroad expansion provided the catalyst for Havana’s formation. A track was completed for the Georgia, Florida and Alabama Railroad in 1902 from Cuthbert, Georgia to Tallahassee, Florida, and in 1904 the small town of Havana began to take shape. Within two years, families had moved in and businesses were opened, and in 1906, Havana was founded.  The name “Havana,” proposed by local schoolteacher James Mathewson, pays homage to the Cuban tobacco cultivated in the area. It was a crop that would carry this town until the late 1960s.

While Havana was prospering in the tobacco fields, a fire in 1916 destroyed 24 stores and residences in or near the business district. According to an article that appeared in The News Leader, Richmond, VA on Saturday, March 18, 1916, only three buildings were left standing. The town would have to rebuild.

The News Leader, Richmond, VA, March 18, 1916

Shade Tobacco History

Even though Havana was not incorporated until 1906, the history of shade tobacco farming goes back to the 1800s. Early growers discovered that if tobacco plants grew in the shade of a tree, they produced thinner outer leaves and resulted in a more delicate taste. Growers adapted to this discovery and the “shaded” fields evolved from wooden slatting to plastic mesh.

Miles Henry Womack in a field of tobacco being grown under slats – Havana, Florida. 1910 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.<https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/28703>

Magnus Delacy Peavy and his farm hands in front of a tobacco barn – Havana, Florida. 1910 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.<https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/30349>

At the peak of its tobacco farming, Havana and the surrounding areas were home to more than 2,000 tobacco barns that housed the tobacco used as the outer wrappers of cigars. Over the years, those barns have fallen prey to neglect and weather, and their numbers are nearly non-existent. If you drive around Gadsden County today, you can see some of them. There’s evidence that the property owners are trying to restore some of them.

Tobacco Barn in Gadsden County | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Tobacco Barn in Gadsden County | Photo taken by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Tobacco Barn in Gadsden County under renovation | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

At one time there were 2,000 to 3,000 people working in the industry in Havana, and the value of the crops grew to $22 million. But unfortunately, that all ended in the late 1960s. One of the main reasons was that growers in South and Central America were able to produce the wrappers at a cheaper cost. New technology also allowed the outer coverings to be produced thinner and at scale.

What to Do in Havana

Shade Tobacco Museum

First and foremost, a stop in the museum is a must. A self-guided tour provides an in-depth glimpse of a once profitable industry and the work that went into successful crops. Read about the process from cultivation to cigar making.  Get a close look at some of the farming implements used, the way tobacco leaves were strung, and the molds used for the cigar making process.

Entrance to Shade Tobacco Museum| Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Boxes used to size tobacco leaves | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Tobacco Wrapper Exhibit, Shade Tobacco Museum | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Tobacco leaves | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

While the museum’s main exhibit centers around tobacco, visitors can learn more about schools, churches, and businesses in the area.

Cigars can be purchased in the Shade Tobacco Museum | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The museum is open Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Shops and Restaurants

When the tobacco industry folded, Havana went through a rebirth of sorts.  Downtown is now lined with antique shops, furniture, boutiques, arts, and restaurants, and holds numerous events throughout the year to draw patrons into Havana.

The Planter’s Exchange, a hub of activity in Havana | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Shops and restaurants line the streets | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Clock and fountain | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

What to See

Murals

Like other small Florida towns, murals now grace the sides of downtown businesses, portraying the past and offering a look into the future.  Besides building murals, there are also quilt murals – all painted by Florida artists.

Havana Motor Co. Mural | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Train Mural, paying homage to the railroad industry in Gadsden County | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Havana Mural | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Havana State Bank

Work was completed in July 2024 on the old Havana State Bank building (now known as the Slappey Building) to restore it to the way it was in the 1950s.  A state historical grant is assisting with the funding for the renovation efforts. Although some work has already been done, the rebuilding will begin May 2023.   Stop by for a look now, and then make plans to go once it has been restored to its original beauty.

Historic Havana State Bank | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Havana State Bank | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

How to Get To Havana, FL

If you are traveling Interstate 10, you will want to exit onto Highway 27 at mile marker 199. Travel about 12 miles north into the heart of the town.  (It’s also located six miles south of the Georgia state line.) The drive to Havana provides some scenic views of the old Florida countryside. Whether you are visiting the Shade Tobacco Museum, shopping, or dining in one of the quaint little restaurants, you will soon find out why Havana is considered the Friendliest Small Town in Florida.

Please take a look at the slide show for more photos of our trip to Havana.

 

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Boyett’s Grove and Citrus Attraction

What started as a fruit stand more than 55 years ago, has evolved into a classic Florida roadside attraction that still draws visitors today.  Located on the top of a hill in Brooksville, Boyett’s Grove and Citrus Attraction not only offers delicious citrus fruit, but also a nostalgic look at Florida oddities, along with a walk on the wild side.

From the outside, Boyett’s Citrus Attraction looks like any other old Florida kitschy gift shop.  A tree face welcomes you with a smile and colorful cheesy paintings of animals adorn the exterior walls.  The quirkiness doesn’t end there.  Once you step inside, you are in for a big surprise!  Boyett’s is filled with everything “touristy” you can imagine, from the typical shell gift items to t-shirts and other Florida souvenirs.

The Store

Speaking from experience, it’s difficult to know which way to go once you’re inside the store.  Souvenirs to the left; a tribute to the King of Rock n Roll straight ahead; and a saloon to the right.

Just when you think you are at the end of an exhibit, you round another corner and there is more.  Make sure you take your time through the store, as you are likely to find some old treasures you haven’t seen in a while.  Not to mention an ice cream parlor that offers 24 flavors!

Wildlife Park

A big part of this attraction is the Wildlife Park. To get outside, stop by the register at the back of the store to purchase your tickets and a bag of food for a more interactive experience.  While you are making your way through the park, stop and say hello to Wally, the dromedary camel.  Use the map provided to you or wander on your own.  No matter which way you go, you are sure to see Wally and other animals, like Stripes the Zebra, or any of the other goats, sheep, geese, and monkeys. Concrete pathways wind through another part of the park and take you by deer and pigs and Elvis the alligator.

Other Things to See

The admission to the wildlife tour also includes the aviary and the dinosaur cave.  In the aviary walk through and get closeup views of tropical birds.

The dinosaur cave is sure to please the young dinosaur lovers in your family. Get next to a T-rex.  Look up for the pterodactyls and don’t forget to say hi to Chompers – if you dare get close enough!

For an additional charge, there is also a mini golf course and the DinoMight Gold Mine.

Oranges!

Before Boyett’s became a tourist attraction, it was a citrus stand, where visitors could walk through the orange grove. Even with the zoo and other features, citrus growing and shipping remain the focus of Boyett’s. During citrus season, visitors can watch the operation in motion, from the washing to the packing, all on a machine that was built in the 40s.

History of the “Attraction”

Folks in citrus know the industry peaks at certain times of the year. Because of a few years of freezes and to combat the slow summer months, Boyett’s decided to make additions to the business.  The gift shop was added in 1975 and about 10 years later, they started taking in donated and rescue animals.  Even if you walk through the entire attraction, you will probably miss something here and there.

Location and Hours

Boyett’s is located between Brooksville and I-75 on Spring Lake Highway and is open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is no charge to look around inside the store, but if you want to venture out into the wildlife park, mini golf, dinosaur cave or aviary, you will have to pay.  There are a variety of price packages to choose from.

Just remember, if you plan to take that walk on the wild side, you should plan on two hours or so to get through it all.

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Caladium Festival Lake Placid, Florida

Florida is home to many festivals, ranging from the absurd to the logical.  By definition, festivals celebrate something unique about a community or its culture.  For the central Florida town of Lake Placid, that uniqueness is its designation as “Caladium Capital of the World” and 2018 marked its celebration of the 28th Caladium Festival.

History of the Caladium Festival

The idea for the Caladium Festival came from the Highlands County Tourist Development Commission as a way to promote the industry and, at the same time, create an event to bring visitors into town.  With the help of Carolyn Phypers of Happiness Farms and Dot Bates of Bates Sons and Daughters Caladiums, the first festival was held in 1990 at the warehouse at Happiness Farms.  Small in scale and mostly informational, it involved a steak dinner cooked by the Highlands County Cattlemen and served by the Cattlewomen, industry talk by caladium growers, and bus tours to the fields.

After that first festival, Carolyn, Dot and their families expanded on the event by moving it downtown to Stuart Park and added in arts and crafts, entertainment and food vendors.  From its first year with about 100 visitors, the event has grown to tens of thousands.

The Caladium Festival Today

Happiness Farms and Bates Sons and Daughters both continue to play a major role in the Caladium Festival.  Bates sells potted plants, while Happiness offers up bags or boxes of bulbs.  What once sold out on the second day of the festival is now selling out on day one.  Folks have found out if they come early, they are sure they get their preferred plants. Both growers donate their net proceeds to the Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce to continue funding the festival.

Bus Tours of Caladium Fields

To get an up-close view of the caladium fields, bus tours are offered at regular intervals throughout the festival. (We might also add the buses are air-conditioned!)  The tours, led by local growers, offer up a lively discussion of the industry as well as question and answer sessions on a wide range of topics.  Out the bus windows, rows upon rows, acres upon acres, showcase a kaleidoscope of colors.

 

After a drive by the fields, the bus makes a stop in one of Lake Placid’s neighborhoods to see a home landscaped with caladiums.  At one time, entire neighborhoods would get involved with planting caladiums.  They were given the bulbs free of charge if they would plant them in time for the festival. These plants, with their heart-shaped leaves and vibrant colors, are easy to grow and brighten any yard.

 

These bus tours are very popular and certain times often sell out, so visitors are advised to buy tickets in advance of the show to secure a seat.

While the caladiums are the stars of the show, there is so much more to the Caladium Festival.  A walk along Interlake Boulevard or any of the side streets surrounding Stuart Park provides a glimpse at booths featuring arts and crafts, plants, and other specialty items.  In addition, there is also a variety of food vendors and entertainment acts.

Clowns

In a community known for its clown college, it’s also a given that Toby’s Clowns will be on hand to offer up their skills of face painting and balloon artistry, and at the same time, a lot of smiles to kids of all ages.

Car Show

For those who are interested in cars and motorcycles, the Caladium Car and Bike Show is a must see.  Billed as the largest auto show in Lake Placid, De Vane Park turns into an outdoor showroom for new and old cars and bikes.  A walk up and down the rows can reveal some pretty cool cars and a link to the past.

Town of Murals

Caladiums are also the topic of one of the many murals around Lake Placid since they play such an important part of the town’s history.  Nearly 50 murals in all are painted on the sides of buildings around town, each one depicting something different about Lake Placid, its culture or some of its prominent citizens.

(To read more about the murals of Lake Placid, check out our post “Town of Murals: Lake Placid, Florida.”)

Other Places to See

Visitors wanting to get out of the sun have a number of places they can visit, like the Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce on Oak Avenue.  The Chamber has a lot of information about Lake Placid, along with the original prints of the murals.  The Lake Placid Mural Society is also housed in the chamber building.  Along Interlake Boulevard, one of the most popular locations is the Caladium Arts and Crafts Cooperative, which features unique items made by local artists and crafters.  Spread out over 10,000 square feet, everything from original paintings to quilts to year-round Christmas collectibles can be found here.  Yes, there are caladium themed items as well.  Main Street also has a lot of interesting shops and restaurants as well.

29th Annual Caladium Festival

If you missed this year’s festival, make sure to mark your calendars for the 2019 festival on July 26, 27, and 28, but don’t wait until then to visit this gem of a town.  Take a day, spend time taking in the murals, then head over to Henscratch Farms and Sugar Sand Distillery.  It’s a Florida trip definitely worth taking.

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Town of Murals: Lake Placid, Florida

A sign along Highway 27 at the edge of Lake Placid in Highlands County reads, “Town of Murals.”  Unless you pay attention to the sign or exit on one of the town’s main roads, you might miss what has become a vital part of the town and its history.

Having grown up less than 30 minutes from Lake Placid, I spent many summers at Lake June.  The murals weren’t part of the town then, but it was definitely a place that felt inviting and friendly.  Now that I’ve had a chance to go back and see these murals for myself, I am even more enchanted with this town.


Lake Placid is like any other little town: a farmer’s market, a main street, quaint shops, the locals milling about on a Sunday afternoon. What sets this apart is just what the sign says – murals.  There are nearly 50 of them painted on the sides of buildings around town.  Each one depicts something different about the history of Lake Placid, its culture or some of its prominent citizens.

“Captain” T. W. Webb
Richard Archbold
Early Physicians
Eddie Mae Henderson
Dr. Charles Akes
Dr. Melvil Dewey

This was all the brainchild of Harriet and Bob Porter, themselves depicted on the front of the Chamber of Commerce building.  Harriet says she and her husband got the idea from an impromptu stop in Chemainus, Vancouver Island, British Columbia during a motorcycle trip to Alaska.

“We found a little sign by the side of the road that said, ‘The Little Town that Did.’  We decided to see what they did,” Harriet says, “and we saw 32 beautiful larger than life murals that depicted the history of their town.”

That was the beginning of the Lake Placid Mural Society.

“Town of Murals – How it All Began” featuring Bob and Harriet Porter

The Murals

“Tea at Southwinds” Lake Placid’s first mural by Thomas Freeman in 1993

One of the favorite murals around town is the “Cracker Trail Cattle Drive,” taking up the entire side of the old Winn Dixie on the corner of Highway 27 and Route 621 East. The 175 feet wide mural depicts the importance and magnitude of the cattle industry in Florida, and in Lake Placid in particular.  The cattle are all marked with registered brands belonging to Highlands County cattlemen.  Standing in front of this massive mural, you can almost feel the pounding of their hooves as they are being driven out of town.

“Cracker Trail Cattle Drive” by Keith Goodson

It took about six months to paint the mural 1994 by artist Keith Goodson.  Since that time, it’s been repainted at least three times to maintain its beauty – something that is done with all of the murals around town.  The only thing missing from this mural currently is the sound of the cattle mooing which came to an end when the building was vacated and the electricity turned off.

Another mural in town, “The Lost Bear Cub,” also features sound.  It was painted  in 1997 by Terry Smith on the side of a barber shop on East Interlake Boulevard.  Stop by and listen to the mama bear and her cub.

The Artists

Most of the murals were painted by single artists, although there are some that involved the collaboration of two artists – depending on their skill sets.

Part of “Birding” by Thomas Brooks and Terry Smith

“They all have their specialties,” Harriet says. “Some are better at wildlife than others.  Some are better at painting people. This is how we’ve chosen through the years – by what their talents are and what is required in the mural.”

“Caladium Fields” by Thomas Freeman

There has never been a competition or a call put out for the artists.  They were chosen through connections with the Caladium Arts and Crafts Co-op, which Harriet also began with her husband.

The Process

Not just any mural can be painted on the side of a building.  Everything is related to Lake Placid.  The history is researched and provided to an artist, who in turn interprets the information in their own way.  A full-color rendering is provided to the Mural Society before any paint can go on the wall.  Once approved, the painting begins.

All of the original renderings hang inside the Chamber of Commerce and are on display during business hours.

Something for Everyone

“The Murals of Lake Placid” guide book will make your visit complete and can be purchased at the Chamber or any number of businesses in town.  The guide includes information about the mural, the artist and even offers an interactive activity for each of them.

If you or your children like to find hidden pictures, the murals have that to offer as well.  Each of them has something either hidden or missing and the guide book tells you what to look for in each mural.

Portion of “Our Citrus Heritage.” There are four hidden oranges with smiley faces in this mural.  

“Bassin'” Can you find what’s missing?

The mural that started the interactive activities was another of the town’s favorites, “Bassin’” another mural painted by Keith Goodson.  Harriet says when Goodson was finishing up he told her he didn’t think he could put another brush load of paint on the mural.  About two weeks after the scaffolding was removed, a woman told Harriet the artist forgot something.

“I said, ‘forgot?” Harriet remembers, and rushed over to look at it.  “Sure enough, he had.”

Goodson offered to go back and finish it, but Harriet decided against it and made that a regular feature of all murals from that day on.

Response to the Murals

The murals have become an important part of Lake Placid, helping them win the distinction of “America’s Most Interesting Town” in 2013 by the Reader’s Digest. Tourism has seen an increase, which means restaurants and stores benefit from the extra people in town.  More than 150 cities and towns across the United States and Canada have reached out to ask how to start their own mural project.  The result of that is the Florida Mural Trail, comprised of about a dozen other towns showcasing their own artwork.

“America’s Most Interesting Town”

More to Offer

You can easily spend the day in Lake Placid, visiting the murals and reading about their history.  Many of the murals are grouped together, which makes it easy to park the car and walk.  No need to worry about getting in the way of the locals when you play tourist.  They’ll just smile or wave when you stop to take pictures.

“Birding” is located in the Lake Placid Noon Rotary Park along with “Layers of Time”

Of course there is much more to Lake Placid than just the murals, but you’ll have to visit for yourself to find the other hidden gems in this town with “history all around.”

 

FM Footnote:  Selecting mural photographs to share in this post was difficult, so don’t be surprised if there is another post with more photos and more about what Lake Placid has to offer.  In the meantime, please visit this little town (or any of the other towns on the Florida Mural Trail) and see up close the amazing talent and ideas that brought this project to fruition.

The Gamble Place

One of the great things about Florida is there is always a new place to explore, one you never knew existed. A recent trip to Port Orange led to the discovery of yet another hidden treasure. Not only does it offer a step back in time, but also a little bit of whimsy and a window into a backwoods retreat.

Egwanulti

Egwanulti is the name given to the Gamble Place by James N. Gamble, the son of the co-founder of the Procter and Gamble Company. Egwanulti is a Native American word meaning “by the water” which is fitting because of its location along Spruce Creek. Gamble bought the land in 1898, but it wasn’t until 1907 that he built the cracker-style house that still stands on the property today. The house features a separate kitchen and dining room, connected by a breezeway or dog-trot, and an open front porch.  The back porch, with its chairs and benches, opens to the back yard with the creek just steps away.  Sitting on the porch, you can just imagine the stories shared by those who once called this place home during the winter months.

Gamble Place

An inviting back porch

Besides the house, Gamble also rebuilt a packing house on the property to process the citrus from his own grove.

Citrus Packing House

The Gamble Place sits on 175 acres and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

Snow White Cottage

“Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho
It’s home from work we go…”

If those song lyrics conjure up a memory, then this Florida stop is a must-see.  Nestled along the banks of Spruce Creek on the eastern portion of the Gamble property, sits a replica of the Snow White Cottage. You know the one she stayed in with the dwarfs?  The cottage started out as plans for a playhouse, but by the time it was finished, it had expanded into a full-size replica and served as a retreat for guests of all ages. Judge Alfred K. Nippert, Gamble’s son-in-law, got the idea for the cottage after the Disney movie’s release in 1937, just three months after the death of his wife.

Snow White Cottage

Along with the cottage, there are two other structures.  The Diamond Mine is built in the same style as the cottage and is two stories.  The ground floor once had a tank used to store water.  On the second floor, a child’s dream – a playhouse.

“The Diamond Mine”

What would the cottage be without the Wicked Witch lurking nearby?  An old hollow cypress tree was moved to the property, placed on a stone foundation and roofed.  If you look closely, you’ll see a familiar face peering out of the window.

Wicked Witch’s Hut

Cracker Creek

Before you can get onto the Gamble property, you have to stop at the Cracker Creek office to pay a minimal admission fee. While you’re there though, ask about canoe and kayak rentals, or the hydro-bike rentals.  For a more leisurely trip down Spruce Creek, they also offer pontoon boat tours Friday through Sunday.

Cracker Creek Office

Rent a canoe or bring your own

Take a leisurely cruise

No matter if you’re at the Gamble Place or walking around the grounds at Cracker Creek, magnificent peacocks can be seen roaming the property.  These close encounters bring to full light the iridescent blues and greens in their feathers.

Beautiful peacocks roam the property

Cracker Creek and the Gamble Place are located in Port Orange off Taylor Road.  You cannot get inside the actual buildings through the self-tour.  The building tour is available for groups of ten or more but reservations must be made in advance.

Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens

Just a short drive off Nova Road (Highway 5A) in Port Orange is another one of those hidden gems in Florida. Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens is a 12-acre mix of gardens and Florida history.  I have to admit, one of the things that drew me here in the first place, was the knowledge an old Florida tourist attraction used to be on this site.  More on that later, but first a little about the sugar mill.

Entrance to Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens. Don’t forget to drop a donation in the box just inside.

Dunlawton Sugar Mill Plantation

The history of the plantation goes back to before Florida even became a state when it was part of a 995 acre land grant in 1804.  After passing through several hands, it was eventually purchased by Sarah Petty Anderson (Dunn) in 1832 under the name Dunlawton Plantation – a combination of Anderson’s maiden name and the previous owners of the land, Charles and Joseph Lawton. For three years, sugar and molasses were produced here, until the Second Seminole War.  Like many other mills in Florida, Dunlawton was burned to the ground. With no money to rebuild it, the Anderson family abandoned the property.  The mill changed hands a couple more times until it was burned down again during the Third Seminole War.  During the Civil War, Dunlawton was a camp for the St. John’s Rangers, in the 2nd Florida Cavalry who used the kettles for the “production of salt for food preservation and ammunition.”

Side view of the sugar mill, showing the purgery which contained vats to catch molasses drippings.

Kettle trains in the boiling room

Cane crusher

Visitors can get a good glimpse of what the sugar making process entailed.  Many of the old pieces of machinery are still in place, including a cane crusher, the boilers and kettles.  The brick structures are now protected by a metal roof, although at one time in its history a wooden roof created an “enclosed” sugar factory.

There are plenty of informational placards that provide a better understanding of the history of the mill and the process of sugar making. Make sure you stop and read them all.

One of many informational signs throughout the gardens

Bongoland

Who would have thought the site of protected archaeological ruins would also one day turn into a tourist attraction?  During the 1940s and ‘50s, the property was transformed into Bongoland – an attraction that featured animals, an Indian village, a train to take visitors around the park and a series of dinosaurs created out of chicken wire and concrete. Oh, and Bongo – the baboon that lived on the grounds.  Unfortunately, the whole idea of theme parks hadn’t caught on and Bongoland closed due to a lack of interest.

Bongoland brochure

Five of the original dinosaurs remain on the property and can be viewed during your walk around the park.  Most of them are located near the Children’s Garden and still remain an attraction in their own right. One park goer says she used to climb under and around the dinosaurs, but they have since been cordoned off with fencing.  Still, kids love to stand in front of these prehistoric animals and marvel at their size.  Plus they are perfect for picture taking!

Watch out for the dinosaurs!

Tyrannosaurus Rex – don’t let his “smile” deceive you!

Dimetrodon

Triceratops

Ground Sloth

Kids love the dinosaurs!

After Bongoland closed, the property sat neglected until it was bequeathed to Volusia County in 1963. An organization known as Botanical Gardens of Volusia, Inc. made a deal with the county and began leasing the property in 1985. Their work at the gardens relies 100% on donations and volunteers.

The gardens are filled with water features, flowers and plants.

Vine growing wild

Ginger

Fern

Confederate Oak – according to legend, Confederate soldiers frequently camped under it.

Whether you visit to meander along the many trails and look at the plants and flowers, view the dinosaurs or take a look back into the history of Florida sugar making, this is worth the visit.

Flower Circle

Floridiana Magazine (FM) Notes: The gardens are open every day from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (except for Christmas and New Years).   There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted. Botanical Gardens of Volusia, Inc. is always looking for volunteers to serve on committees or work in the gardens.  Visit their website for more information.